Policy prowess showcased at week-long event

22 Oct 2013

A lecture on Labour’s international development policy and an ideological battle of leading thinktanks are just two highlights of Manchester Policy Week – a showcase of the University of Manchester’s expertise on public policy issues.

Ivan Lewis

Manchester Policy Week (28 October - 1 November) will include seminars and workshops run by expert researchers across the University, complemented by keynote events featuring high-profile figures and policy influencers.

Thirteen events will be held across the week, and will examine;

• zero hours contracts and proposed policy changes• European perspectives on public spending• how local policy can help migrants feel welcome• understanding spatial issues in public policy• transportation policy issues surrounding ageing• young men as perpetrators of domestic abuse• current changes to public health policy• Labour’s record on education• policy intervention in domestic heating provision

A ‘Battle of the Thinktanks’ keynote event will be held on Tuesday 29 October (2-4pm), exploring the shape of government post-austerity, with IPPR North, Resolution Foundation, Centre for Social Justice and Equality Trust all due to give their views.

The same day, a joint event with IPPR North will explore the impact of zero hour contracts on people in Manchester.

And on Friday 1 November, Ivan Lewis MP, the outgoing Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, will outline his party's vision for the post-2015 development agenda. This event is being organised in conjunction with the University’s Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM).

There will also be a special event on Monday 28 October for postgraduate and early career researchers interested in policy issues.

All events are free – although booking is required – and the majority are open to staff, students, policy-interested professionals and members of the public.

For the full programme and to book for events, see www.policy.manchester.ac.uk/week. You can also follow @UoMPolicy and #mcrpolicyweek on Twitter for regular updates.

Manchester Policy Week is organised by Policy@Manchester, an initiative that aims to showcase the contribution of Manchester researchers to the development of public policy across a number of areas.

It seeks to support policy engagement through events and workshops, online activity, and the provision of resources and support.

Notes for editors

Members of the media are welcome to attend most events by prior arrangement.